A clearly different way to walk

Topics: ambassadors for Christ. the unity of the Spirit

I. Walk in a worthy manner!

1. Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called (Ephesians 4:1).

2. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

3. All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age?(Matthew 29:18-20, see also Matthew 22:34-40).

II. The character of the Spirit

1. With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)
2. Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped (Philippians 2:1-6)
3. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

III. Preserve the unity!

1. Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
2. What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete (1 John 1:3-4)
3. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please (Galatians 5:16-17).

Sermon by Pastor Dane Nissen, August 25nd, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

A clearly different way to walk

An important Guideline of Life Groups: What we believe impacts how we behave! Discuss the biblical teaching of how the Love of the Father and the Spirit inside us should produce a life that bears fruit.

Getting Started:

1. What does it mean to you to live a life "worthy of the calling" you have received as a Christian?
2. What are the general callings of a Christian? And what are your personal callings?
3. Reflect on the nature of your "calling."How does your understanding of God's call influence your daily actions and priorities?

Discussing Truths:

1. Which of the qualities in verse 2 (humility, gentleness, patience, love) do you find most challenging to practice in your daily interactions?
2. How do these qualities of a worthy walk contribute to the unity of the body of Christ?

Now What? Application:

1. What does the word "diligent" (or "eager," "Make haste") in verse 3 teach us about the effort required to maintain unity? How are you in maintaining unity?
2. What specific actions can you take this week to cultivate humility, gentleness, and patience in your relationships?
3. How can we show others what Christian unity looks like in a world often marked by division?
4. What is one practical step you can take to strengthen your connection with your local church, as a way of living out this passage?